West Ham get double injury boost ahead of West Brom clash

West Ham United manager David Moyes has received a welcome boost ahead of his sideâ€™s clash with West Bromwich Albion, as key man Michail Antonio is likely to be available for selection having overcome a minor calf injury, according to Claret and Hugh.

The 27-year-old, who featured for nearly an hour of the Hammersâ€™ 3-2 defeat at home to Newcastle United on Saturday, was ruled out of Tuesdayâ€™s controversial 3-3 draw at Bournemouth, though he is expected to be fit in time for the visit of the Baggies for the Ironsâ€™ first match of 2018.

Following an impressive campaign last term in which the Englishman bagged nine league goals for West Ham, Antonio, much like the entire Hammers team, has struggled for form this season and has found the back of the net just once in his 15 appearances.

Despite his diminished goal return, the winger remains a vital part of an Irons side that has improved under Moyesâ€™ watch and along with the re-born Marko Arnautovic, could prove to be the difference between relegation to the Championship and securing another season of top-flight football.

Antonio though is not the only key West Ham man who could be returning to action on Tuesday, as club captain Mark Noble also looks set to overcome a hamstring injury and feature against the Baggies.

The 30-year-old last appeared for the Hammers during his sideâ€™s 3-0 win away to Stoke City on December 16th, a match in which the midfielder broke the deadlock from the penalty spot, but could be handed a starting berth in the middle of the park for the visit of West Brom.

Alan Pardewâ€™s side find themselves in the middle of a relegation battle and are just three points adrift of West Ham, who sit two places higher, in 17th place.

Moyes will be well aware that only three points will do for the Hammers if they are to ease their relegation worries, as a defeat could potentially see the Baggies overtake the Londoners and push them back into the bottom three.

23-year-old University student from Malta, currently studying Communications and starting out in the world of football journalism. Lifelong Manchester United fan with a passion for all things football.

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